ADN - What does your weekly schedule look like program wise?

WanderingWilder, ASN · Nov 12, 2016

1st semester is four days a week two lecture days for 3 hours, two clinical days 6 hours. it's changes each semester with the clinical getting longer each semester.

NICUismylife, ADN, BSN, RN · Nov 12, 2016

Programs vary dramatically. I believe I have more clinical hours than most programs.

1st semester, 2 class days, 5 hours each. Preclinical at the hospital (getting patient info): 2-4 hours per week. 2 clinical days 8 hours each. So, only about 30 hours per week out of the house. BUT, then add in study time, homework and clinical paperwork (all which can be done at home), is another 20-30 hours per week.

2nd semester, 2 class days, total of around 12 hours/week. Preclinical at the hospital 2-3 hours/week. 2 clinical days 9 hours each. Total around 32-33 hours per week, plus 20-30 hours study time at home.

3rd semester, 2 class days, total of around 8 hours per week. Preclinical at the hospital 1-2 hours/week (you get more efficient as time goes on), 2 clinical days 13 hours each (6:30am-7:30pm) As you can see, in-class time decreases, but clinical time extends. 35-36 hours per week out of the house, plus 20-30 hours of study time at home.

4th semester: 2 class days, total of around 6 hours per week. No more preclinical (we go in blind like you will when you are working: YAY!), 2 clinical days 8 hours each. Total out of the house each week: 22 hours. As you can see, there appears to be a lot more free time in the final semester, but unfortunately, will all the licensing stuff, graduation requirements, NCLEX prep, job interviews, etc. We end up with our "day off" filled up with required stuff we have to do, so technically, it's more like 30 hours out of the house rather than the 22 "official" time we have to put in. Also, this is the critical care/ICU semester, so home study time goes up, intensity of projects increases, etc. and home study time has kind of skyrocketed. For example, I had a 34 page research paper that I had to prepare in 2 weeks and then orally present to the class. It took me around 50 hours to complete and that was on top of the regular 40-60 hours that I had to put in for my regular class work. So, those 2 weeks were pure hell. I lost around 10 lbs because I literally couldn't take time to eat. My family didn't see me at all, as I was locked in the bedroom working the entire time I was home. So don't let the "official hours" fool you, lol. 4th semester is intense.

BUT, this is only my school. I have no idea what other schools are like.

furiousjellybean · Nov 13, 2016

I agree with NICUismylife. It's not the class time that it time consuming, it's the study time. I do something school related every day, several hours per day. My kids are older than yours and I work part time. I have, essentially, no free time. lol

Is a nanny in your budget? It might be worth looking into one so you have time to study.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2016

I attended an associate degree nursing program at a trade school, not a community college or state university. Here was my schedule throughout the program.

Monday - Off

Tuesday - Lecture 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Wednesday - Clinical shift (either 6:00 to 2:30pm or 2:00 to 10:30pm)

Thursday - Lecture 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Friday - Off

I also worked full-time while attending this program.